2026-11-10T10:11:18Zhttps://repository.slads.sc.tz/api/oaioai:repository.slads.sc.tz:cmsj27msd0049k8c5eownm6xe2026-11-10T09:59:18Zdepartment:RAMtype:dissertationAN ASSESSMENT OF RECORDS STORAGE FACILITIES IN FACILITATING ACCESSIBILITY OF PUBLIC RECORDS WITHIN THE TANZANIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES' OFFICES: CASE STUDY OF BAGAMOYO DISTRICT COUNCILMahamudu Twalibu HusseinInformation TechnologyBagamoyo District CouncilEastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on ArchivesInformation and Communication TechnologyRecords and Archives Management DepartmentRecords storage facilities provide the physical and electronic environment necessary
for preserving and accessibility of public records in Local Government Authorities for
transparency, accountability and effective service delivery. However, many LGAs in
Tanzania, including BDC, face challenges of inadequate storage infrastructure and
system inefficiencies that hinder timely access to public records.
The study was assessed records storage facilities in facilitating accessibility of public
records within Tanzania LGAs, in BDC. The study aimed to examine the types and
adequacy of records storage facilities used in the BDC, assess the effectiveness of
storage systems in facilitating accessibility to administrative records and identify
challenges affecting records accessibility and propose strategies for improvement.
The study used a descriptive design with a mixed research approach. The target
population was 45 staff members at BDC. A sample of 40 respondents was selected
using Yamane’s formula. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview
guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel and
presented in frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were analyzed through
content analysis.
The findings revealed that BDC operates a hybrid records storage system. The storage
facilities used was Electronic Storage System (E-Office), filing cabinets and archives
boxes. However, storage facilities were inadequate. Despite this, rated of physical
condition of facilities was good. File retrieving in less than 5 minutes. The system
crashes or slow performance, restoration times ranging from 1 to 10 hours. Major
challenges identified included inadequate storage facilities, inadequate trained staff,
and system crashes. Key strategies proposed included procurement of more storage
equipment and file covers, staff training, and improvement of registry procedures.
The study concludes that BDC has adopted hybrid records storage system, inadequacy
of storage infrastructure and unreliable electronic systems, hinder effective
preservation and accessibility of public records. The study recommends that the BDC
should prioritize procurement of modern storage equipment, ensure adequate supply
of file covers, training staff, and develop disaster recovery plan for E-Office system.School of Library, Archives and Documentation Studies (SLADS)2026TextDissertationapplication/pdfhttps://repository.slads.sc.tz/records/cmsj27msd0049k8c5eownm6xeenAll rights reservedhttps://repository.slads.sc.tz/api/records/cmsj27msd0049k8c5eownm6xe/file